"My friend always pays his bills," he said. "You needn't be afraid to trust him."
"And who are you?" asked the old woman. "I don't know you, and I can't take your word. You're tryin' the two of you to swindle a poor widder."
"My father's an alderman," said Tim, giving the wink to Sam.
"Is he now? Thin, let him lind your friend money, and don't ask a poor woman to trust."
"Well, I would, but he's gone to Washington on business."
"Thin, go after him, and lave me alone. I don't want no spalpeens like you round my apple-stand."
"Look here, old woman, I'll have you arrested for callin' me names. Come away, Sam; her apples are rotten anyhow."
The old woman began to berate them soundly, indignant at this attack upon her wares; and in the midst of it the two boys walked off.
"We didn't make much," said Sam. "I'm awful hungry."
"Take that, then," said Tim, pulling an apple out of his pocket,